VA offers mental health care online

Monday

May 4, 2020 at 2:04 PM

Officials: Even during coronavirus outbreak, veterans can prioritize their mental health

BATH - Veterans are encouraged to access VA Mental Health Support from home.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, said Kathleen Hider, VA public affairs officer. Now more than ever, she said, the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, which includes the Bath and Canandaigua VA centers, is committed to providing high-quality mental health care while keeping veterans safe from exposure to the coronavirus.

To help reduce the risk of infection at the facilities veterans are being asked to use VA’s online resources for routine or non-urgent mental health care and questions, Hider said. This will help protect veterans from contracting COVID-19 while enabling providers at VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System to focus on care for veterans with the most acute needs.

“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, and out of concern for our local veterans, we are honoring current physical distancing guidelines,” said Bruce Tucker, Director of the VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System. “Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible during this time.”

VA offers veterans a variety of at-home resources, including telephone or video appointments. They said veterans should maintain their existing mental health appointments – and may receive care at home — using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets.

Hider said to set up telephone or video appointments, veterans can send their health care provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. Veterans can learn more about VA Video Connect at mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.

The VA is observing Mental Health Awareness Month by emphasizing that “Now Is the Time.” Even during the coronavirus outbreak, veterans can still prioritize their mental health.

Veterans and their families can visit www.MakeTheConnection.net/MHM to learn more about mental health resources and hear stories of recovery from other veterans.

For more information on ways for veterans to maintain and enhance their mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus.

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